Fire Ant, IgE, Serum
Use
The Fire Ant, IgE test aids in establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to fire ants. It is useful for defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. It identifies allergens that are responsible for allergic responses and/or anaphylactic episodes, confirms sensitization prior to starting immunotherapy, and investigates the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. It provides insight into the immune response to fire ant allergens that may be associated with allergic disease.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial for submission.
Limitations
Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to assess residual clinical sensitivity or in patients where management does not depend on allergen identification. False-positive results for IgE antibodies may occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases. Interpretation requires consideration of clinical context as individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity may have measurable IgE.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6117-6
- 6117-6
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL for every 5 allergens requested
Minimum Volume
For 1 allergen: 0.3 mL, For more than 1 allergen: (0.05 mL x number of allergens) + 0.25 mL deadspace
Container
Preferred: Serum gel; Acceptable: Red top; Submission: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
None specified for gross hemolysis and lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |